Lymphoma

Effecting the lymphatic system of the body, the main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the immune system cells; lymphocytes, better known as white blood cells. These cells move throughout the body in a fluid called lymph and work to protect the body from infection. Lymphoma occurs when lymphocytes transform and begin to multiply uncontrollably. These abnormal lymphocytes collect in the lymph nodes and form a mass of cells called a tumor.

The exact cause for lymphoma is unknown, but other risk factors such as genetics have been identified, meaning it could be genetically inherited from family members.

There are a few distinct differences between Hodgkins Lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) including how the disease spreads, where tumors are most commonly found in the body and variances in symptomology experienced by individuals. Additionally, treatment protocols are very different. The main difference between Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is in the specific lymphocyte each involves. A doctor can tell the difference between Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by examining the cancer cells under a microscope